Men and Women of Purpose in Richmond

More than 120 people crowded into the parking lot of the Neighborhood House of North Richmond around noon Friday for music and food. They also learned more about the Men and Women of Purpose, the new community-based nonprofit a that offers programs aimed at reducing violence, recidivism, homelessness, drug abuse and chronic unemployment.

“The turnout, the support, the momentum we’re building with our work—it’s all just amazing,” said MWP’s founder and program director Antwon Cloird.

The Men and Women of Purpose came together earlier this year, Cloird said, assembling about a dozen people with various expertise in mental health, probation and other social service fields. Cloird, a longtime local activist who was one of the foremost leaders of the “Tent City” anti-violence movement in 2006, said persistent violence and state plans to reduce prison populations call out for a new approach.

Cloird and another one of the group’s leaders, Bryan Hancock, said key partnerships have come together to give their group solid footing. Hancock said financial and in-kind contributions have come in recent months from local unions, Sims Metal Co., Chevron Corp., and Neighborhood House, where MWP has office space.

“We are viable and we have broad support,” Hancock said. “Hopefully, the city will help support us financially too.”